Johnson County leads cyclosporiasis cases as parasitic illness explodes across Kansas

Key Points:

• Cyclosporiasis cases in Kansas have surged from 55 to 289 within a week, with Johnson County reporting 95 cases and Wyandotte County 11, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
• The actual number of cases is likely higher due to asymptomatic infections or mild symptoms that may go unreported, says Dr. Dana Hawkinson of the University of Kansas Health System.
• Nationwide, cyclosporiasis cases have exceeded 4,000 this year, far above the usual annual total of about 500, with Michigan also experiencing a significant outbreak.
• The parasite is mainly transmitted through contaminated food, especially fresh produce like iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell shipments from Taylor Farms, rather than person-to-person contact.
• Treatment for cyclosporiasis is straightforward and effective with the antibiotic Bactrim, but diagnosis requires a stool sample for confirmation.